Decorative Arts

The first two galleries in this suite of rooms are dressed with furnishings and art from the reigns of three kings of France; Louis XIV, XV and XVI. Each had a distinctive artistic style, reflecting the tastes and culture of the day and these rooms display some of the Museum’s finest examples from each period, many of which were purchased by John and Joséphine Bowes.

The English Interiors Gallery, opened in May 2010, offers an impressionistic interpretation of four centuries of the English domestic interior. Original panelling, mostly saved from historic houses, some of which are no longer standing, form the basis of the interpretation. These are displayed alongside ceramics, paintings and some of the finest pieces from the English furniture collection to explain the changing styles from the Tudor to the Victorian period.